JP2014036297A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of obtaining an image with a desired exposure, even for an object different in proper exposure for each area.SOLUTION: An imaging element 103 obtains an object image. A touch panel 109 is provided correspondingly to a monitor 108, to detect a position touched in an image displayed on the monitor 108. An image processing part 122 successively creates a processed image in which the brightness of the image obtained by the imaging element 103 is changed, according to the touched area of the touch panel 109. An addition part 128 successively adding the processed image created by the image processing part 122, to successively create a cumulative image and display on the monitor 108. The brightness of the cumulative image is gradually increased by the addition, but when a part reaching sufficient brightness is touched by the touch panel 109, in the part, the addition is not performed, but only in the other areas, the addition is performed, so that the image with a proper exposure can be obtained as a whole.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  When shooting a dark scene such as a night view, a long exposure is generally performed in order to compensate for a shortage of light. In general long-time exposure, what kind of image is acquired during exposure can be confirmed only after the long-time exposure is completed. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an imaging apparatus that displays an image added during long exposure at an appropriate timing during long exposure.

JP 2003-069897 A

  Appropriate exposure can be obtained even for a dark subject by adding images such as long exposure. Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, if an added image is displayed during exposure, it is easy to capture an image having a desired luminance while checking the image. However, when there is a difference in subject luminance, even if the exposure is appropriate for some parts, the exposure is over or under for other parts.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image pickup apparatus that can obtain an image with an exposure level desired by a user even for a subject whose appropriate exposure varies depending on a region.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that images a subject and sequentially outputs an image; a touch panel that detects a touched position; Provided in correspondence with the touch panel, an image processing unit that sequentially creates a processed image in which the luminance of the image is changed according to one region, an addition unit that sequentially adds the processed images and sequentially creates a cumulative image And a display unit for displaying the accumulated image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus capable of obtaining an image having an exposure level desired by a user even for a subject whose proper exposure varies depending on a region.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of camera control processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auto processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a blend parameter generation process according to the first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the determination method of the reference | standard brightness value which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the determination method of the reference | standard brightness value which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the setting method of the addition flag which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of imaging data processing according to the first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the auto process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation method of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of semi-automatic processing according to the first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the semi-auto process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of manual processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manual blend parameter generation process according to the first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the setting method of the addition flag which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the manual process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the manual process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of camera control processing according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of correction processing according to the second embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the correction process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the image obtained by the camera control process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A configuration example of a digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The digital camera 100 includes a lens 101, a diaphragm 102, an image sensor 103, an A / D conversion unit 104, an image capture control unit 106, and an image capture control unit 114. The subject image enters the image sensor 103 through the lens 101 and the diaphragm 102. The image sensor 103 performs photoelectric conversion and generates an analog image signal corresponding to the subject image. The analog image signal generated by the image sensor 103 is input to the A / D conversion unit 104 and converted into a digital image signal by the A / D conversion unit 104. The imaging element 103 and the A / D conversion unit 104 operate under the control of the imaging control unit 114. The image capture control unit 106 and the imaging control unit 114 are connected to the bus 105. The image capture control unit 106 captures a digital image signal and transmits the image signal to each unit via the bus 105.

  The digital camera 100 also includes a CPU 107, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The CPU 107, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 are connected to each other via the bus 105. The ROM 112 records programs for various controls of the digital camera 100 and the like. The CPU 107 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 using a program recorded in the ROM 112. For example, the CPU 107 also issues a control command by the above-described imaging control unit 114 and the like. The RAM 113 temporarily stores calculation results and image data related to processing by the CPU 107 and an image processing unit 120 described later.

  The digital camera 100 also includes a monitor 108, a touch panel 109, a display control unit 110, and a touch panel control unit 111. The display control unit 110 and the touch panel control unit 111 are each connected to the bus 105. The monitor 108 includes a display element such as a liquid crystal display element or an organic EL display. The operation of the monitor 108 is controlled by the display control unit 110. On the monitor 108, an image acquired through the image capture control unit 106 and processed by an image processing unit 120 described later, a menu image for various controls of the digital camera 100, and the like are displayed. The touch panel 109 is disposed on the monitor 108 and acquires a user's touch input. The operation of the touch panel 109 is controlled by the touch panel control unit 111, and input to the touch panel 109 is first processed by the touch panel control unit 111. The determination result related to the presence / absence of the touch and the touched position processed by the touch panel control unit 111 is output to the CPU 107 and the image processing unit 120.

  The digital camera 100 is provided with a recording unit I / F 115. The recording unit I / F 115 is connected to the bus 105. A detachable recording unit 116 is connected to the recording unit I / F 115. The recording unit 116 is a general recording medium. The processed image data that has been shot is recorded in the recording unit 116 and read out from the recording unit 116.

  The digital camera 100 includes an image processing unit 120. The image processing unit 120 processes the image acquired from the image capture control unit 106. The processed image is displayed on the monitor 108 or recorded on the recording unit 116. The image processing unit 120 can perform image processing generally performed by a digital camera. Furthermore, the image processing unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes an image processing unit 122, a reference luminance setting unit 124, a luminance determination unit 126, and an addition unit 128. Based on the position input from the touch panel 109, the image processing unit 122 processes the image captured from the image capture control unit 106 and creates processed image data. The image processing unit 122 creates processed image data by, for example, reducing the luminance related to the touched position or reducing the luminance of an untouched region in the captured image. The reference luminance setting unit 124 sets the luminance related to the touched position of the cumulative image described later as the reference luminance value. The luminance determination unit 126 compares the reference luminance value set by the reference luminance setting unit 124 with the luminance of the accumulated image added by the adding unit 128 described later. The adding unit 128 adds the image acquired from the image capture control unit 106 and the processed image processed by the image processing unit 122 to create a cumulative image. Depending on the processing mode, the adding unit 128 stops adding images when the luminance of the accumulated image reaches the reference luminance value.

  An operation of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. An example of camera control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In step S101, the CPU 107 determines whether a shooting mode is selected. When the shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the CPU 107 performs initial setting of each unit of the digital camera 100.

  In step S103, the CPU 107 determines whether or not the bulb photographing mode is selected. If it is determined that bulb photography has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the CPU 107 performs normal imaging processing for performing normal imaging. In the normal imaging process, for example, when a release operation is performed, a general imaging operation is performed in which imaging is performed based on the exposure condition calculated by the CPU 107 and an image file is created. A description of the normal imaging process is omitted. After the normal imaging process, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S103 that bulb shooting has been selected, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S <b> 105, the CPU 107 starts displaying a through image on the monitor 108. In step S106, the CPU 107 determines whether a release operation has been performed. When it is determined that the release operation has not been performed, the process repeats step S106. When it is determined that the release operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S107. In the present embodiment, for example, when the release button is pressed once, the process proceeds to step S107, and exposure is started.

  In step S107, the CPU 107 starts exposure. In step S108, the CPU 107 determines an exposure amount control method. When the control method is auto, the process proceeds to step S109. When the control method is semi-automatic, the process proceeds to step S110. When the control method is manual, the process proceeds to step S111. The control method may be input using, for example, a knob provided on the digital camera 100, or may be selected using the touch panel 109 from among the control methods displayed on the monitor 108, for example.

  In step S109, the image processing unit 120 performs auto processing. In the auto mode by the auto process, an input for touching the touch panel 109 once is received as information relating to the exposure amount. Assuming that the brightness of the touched location in the image is the brightness desired by the photographer, the exposure time is adjusted so that other subjects have the same brightness as the touched portion.

  An example of auto processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S201, the image processing unit 120 acquires imaging data. In step S202, the image processing unit 120 determines whether any location on the touch panel 109 has already been touched in the main shooting. When it is determined that it has not been touched yet, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when it is determined that it has already been touched, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the image processing unit 120 processes the imaging data acquired in step S201 based on a blend parameter described later, and performs imaging data processing that creates processed image data.

  In step S <b> 204, the image processing unit 120 adds the current imaging data to the cumulative image data generated in the previous process in the auto process, which is a loop process, and creates cumulative image data. That is, when it is determined in step S202 that it is not touched, the imaging data acquired in step S201 is added. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the touch has been made, the imaging data processed in step S203 is added. In the first process in the auto process, no addition is performed, and the imaging data acquired in step S201 is used as accumulated image data as it is.

  In step S205, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the luminance value included in the accumulated image data created in step S204 has reached a reference luminance value described later. When it is determined that the reference luminance value has been reached, the processing returns to the camera control described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S205 that the reference luminance value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the image processing unit 120 performs a waiting process for the shooting interval. During this time, charges are accumulated in the image sensor 103. In step S207, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the touch panel 109 has been touched. If it is determined that the touch has not been made, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch has been made, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the touch panel 109 has already been touched in the main shooting. If it is determined that it has already been touched, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, when it is determined that it has not been touched yet, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the image processing unit 120 performs blend parameter generation processing. The blend parameter generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S301, the image processing unit 120 determines a reference luminance value. Here, the reference luminance value is determined as follows, for example. First, the image processing unit 120 acquires a touched position from the touch panel control unit 111. The image processing unit 120 creates a histogram representing the distribution of luminance values in a circle whose diameter is, for example, 10% of the horizontal width of the image centered on the touched position. For example, assume that the luminance value of each pixel in the circle and the area including the circle is as shown in FIG. At this time, the created histogram is as shown in FIG. 6, for example. Here, the image processing unit 120 searches from the higher luminance, and determines the lowest luminance value of the mountain that appears first, that is, the luminance value indicated by the arrow S in FIG. 6 as the reference luminance value.

  In step S302, the image processing unit 120 sets an addition flag. For example, the image processing unit 120 sets the addition flag to 0 for a pixel included in a circle whose diameter is, for example, 10% of the horizontal width of the image with the touched position as the center, and outside the circle. The addition flag is set to 1 for the included pixels. For example, the addition flag is as shown in FIG. Here, the circle shown in FIG. 7 represents a circle having a diameter of 10% of the horizontal width of the image with the touched position as the center. After step S302, the process returns to the auto process described with reference to FIG.

  After the blend parameter generation process in step S209, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S <b> 210, the image processing unit 120 displays the touch position on the image displayed on the monitor 108. That is, the region where the addition flag is 0 is clearly indicated. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S201. When the blend parameter is set, in step S203, the image processing unit 120 processes the imaging data based on an addition flag as shown in FIG. 7, for example. That is, for example, processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed.

  In step S401, the image processing unit 120 updates the target pixel in order to sequentially process the pixels in the image. In step S402, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not processing has been performed for all pixels. When it is determined that all the processes have been performed, the process returns to the auto process described with reference to FIG. When it is determined that processing has not been performed for all pixels, the processing proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the addition flag is zero. If the addition flag is not 0, the process returns to step S401. When the addition flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the image processing unit 120 changes the luminance value of the pixel to 0. Thereafter, the process returns to step S401.

  Of the image data acquired in step S201 by the imaging data processing, the brightness value is maintained for the pixel whose addition flag is 1, and the brightness value is 0 for the pixel whose addition flag is 0. As a result, processed image data is created. In step S204, such processed image data is added. In other words, the luminance of the cumulative image does not increase for the pixels related to the touched area where the addition flag is 0, and the luminance of the cumulative image increases for the pixels related to the non-touched area. . In step S205, it is determined whether or not the accumulated image data has reached the reference luminance value based on the reference luminance value determined in step S301.

  An example of the operation result of the automatic processing described above will be described with reference to the drawings. For example, consider a scene as shown in FIG. 9 including a moon indicated by A, a building indicated by B, and a night sky indicated by C. At this time, the moon indicated by A is bright, the night sky indicated by C is dark, and the building indicated by B has a luminance between the moon and the night sky. When such a scene is shot in the auto mode, the accumulated image is as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

  As the image data is added over time and accumulated image data is created, the luminance of the entire image increases as shown in FIGS. Assume that the month portion is touched at the stage shown in FIG. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the photographer touches the part of the touch panel 109 where the month is displayed with his / her finger while the digital camera 100 is fixed. At this time, in the blend parameter generation process, the reference luminance value is determined based on the brightness of the moon. Further, in the blend parameter generation processing, based on the touched position, for example, the addition flag is set to 0 for the part surrounded by the circle A1 in FIG. 10C, and the addition flag is set to 1 outside the circle A1. Is done. Therefore, in FIG. 10C and thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 10C to 10E, the brightness does not change because the imaging data is not added inside the circle A1, and the imaging data is added outside the circle A1. As the time elapses, the luminance increases.

  Eventually, as shown in FIG. 10E, when the representative luminance value of the building portion reaches the luminance value of the moon portion set as the reference luminance value, the addition of the imaging data is finished, and the automatic processing is finished. To do. In this way, according to the auto mode, as shown in FIG. 10E, an image having appropriate brightness for both the moon and the building can be obtained. Note that the time until an image as shown in FIG. 10E is obtained is, for example, about 10 seconds.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. In step S110, the image processing unit 120 performs a semi-auto process. The semi-auto process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S501, the image processing unit 120 acquires imaging data. In step S502, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the touch panel 109 has already been touched in the main shooting. If it is determined that the touch has not yet been made, the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has already been touched, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the image processing unit 120 processes the imaging data acquired in step S501 based on first to n-th blend parameters described later.

  In step S504, the image processing unit 120 adds the current imaging data to the previous accumulated image data to create accumulated image data. That is, when it is determined in step S502 that it is not touched, the imaging data acquired in step S501 is added. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the touch has been made, the imaging data processed in step S503 is added. In the first process in the semi-auto process, no addition is performed, and the imaging data acquired in step S501 is used as accumulated image data as it is.

  In step S505, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the luminance value included in the accumulated image data created in step S504 has reached the reference luminance value. When it is determined that the reference luminance value has been reached, the processing returns to the camera control described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reference luminance value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the image processing unit 120 performs a waiting process for the shooting interval. In step S507, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the touch panel 109 has been touched. If it is determined that the touch has not been made, the process returns to step S501. On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch has been made, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the image processing unit 120 substitutes n + 1 for the variable n. In step S509, the image processing unit 120 performs blend parameter generation processing for the nth blend parameter. The blend parameter generation process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 510, the image processing unit 120 displays the touch position on the image displayed on the monitor 108. That is, the region where the addition flag is 0 is clearly indicated. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

  When a scene as shown in FIG. 8 is shot in the semi-auto mode, the accumulated image is as shown in FIG. 13, for example. That is, as the image data is added over time and cumulative image data is created, the luminance of the entire image increases as shown in FIGS. Assume that the moon portion is touched for the first time at the stage shown in FIG. At this time, the first blend parameter is determined by the blend parameter generation process. That is, the reference luminance value is determined based on the brightness of the moon. Further, based on the touched position, for example, the addition flag is set to 0 for the portion surrounded by the circle A2 in FIG. 13C, and the addition flag is set to 1 outside the circle A2. Thereafter, the luminance increases only outside the circle A2 where the addition flag is 1.

  Subsequently, for example, in FIG. 13D, it is assumed that a building portion is touched. At this time, the second blend parameter is determined by the blend parameter generation process. That is, the reference luminance value is determined based on the brightness of the building. Further, based on the touched position, for example, the addition flag is set to 0 in a portion surrounded by a circle B2 in FIG. Thereafter, the luminance increases only outside the circle A2 where the addition flag is 1 and outside the circle B2.

  Eventually, as shown in FIG. 13E, when the representative luminance value of the star portion reaches the luminance value of the building portion set as the reference luminance value, the addition of the imaging data is finished, and the semi-automatic processing is finished. To do. In this way, according to the semi-auto mode, as shown in FIG. 13E, an image having an appropriate brightness desired by the photographer for the moon, the building, and the star can be obtained.

  In the above description, the example in which the addition of the imaging data ends when the representative luminance value of the region where the addition flag is 1 reaches the reference luminance value is shown. May be configured to end. For example, the addition of imaging data may be completed when the photographer presses the release button.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. In step S111, the image processing unit 120 performs a manual process. Manual processing will be described with reference to FIG. In step S601, the image processing unit 120 acquires imaging data. In step S602, the image processing unit 120 performs manual blend parameter generation processing. The manual blend parameter generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S701, the image processing unit 120 determines whether the dodging mode or the burning mode is set. Whether the dodging mode or the burning mode is selected can be configured such that, for example, when the manual mode is selected, options are displayed on the monitor 108 and are selected by the input of the touch panel 109. When in the dodging mode, the process proceeds to step S702. On the other hand, when it is in the burning mode, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S <b> 702, the image processing unit 120 acquires an input to the touch panel 109, and when touched, for example, a circle whose diameter is, for example, 10% of the horizontal width of the image moves around the touched position. The addition flag inside the range is set to 0, and the addition flag outside the range is set to 1. When the touch panel 109 is not touched, the image processing unit 120 sets all addition flags to 1. Thereafter, the processing returns to the manual processing described with reference to FIG.

  In step S703, the image processing unit 120 acquires an input to the touch panel 109, and when touched, for example, a circle whose diameter is, for example, 10% of the horizontal width of the image moves around the touched position. The addition flag inside the range is set to 1, and the addition flag outside the range is set to 0. When the touch panel 109 is not touched, the image processing unit 120 sets all addition flags to 0. Thereafter, the processing returns to the manual processing described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the range of movement of the circle is as shown in FIG. 16, for example. That is, for example, the calculation is based on the circle T (n−1) calculated based on the position touched when the n−1th imaging data is acquired and the position touched when the nth imaging data is acquired. A region connecting the circle T (n) to be used is a range in which the circle has moved. The setting of the range when the touched position is moved in this way is not limited to the manual mode, but may be used in the auto mode or the semi-auto mode.

  Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued. In step S603, the image processing unit 120 performs imaging data processing based on the blend parameter generated in step S602. In step S604, the image processing unit 120 adds the imaging data generated in step S603 to the cumulative image data to create new cumulative image data.

  In step S605, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the exposure has ended. That is, for example, when the exposure end display displayed on the monitor 108 is touched, the release button is released, or the release button is pressed again, the exposure ends. If it is determined in step S605 that the exposure has ended, the process returns to the camera control process described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure has not ended, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the image processing unit 120 performs a waiting process for the shooting interval. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601.

  According to the manual mode as described above, for example, it is as follows. According to the dodging mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the touch panel 109 is rubbed over the moon displayed on the monitor 108, the brightness of the rubbed moon does not increase, and other areas are displayed. The brightness of the moon increases, preventing the moon from becoming too bright in the resulting image. Further, according to the burn-in mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the human part is rubbed, only the human part can be brightened. Thus, according to the manual mode, the intention of the photographer can be reflected in the image more finely.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the camera control process will be continued. After step S109, step S110, or step S111, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the CPU 107 ends the exposure. In step S <b> 113, the CPU 107 records the created accumulated image data in the recording unit 116. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S121. In step S121, the CPU 107 causes the monitor 108 to display thumbnails of the images recorded in the recording unit 116. In step S122, the CPU 107 determines whether an image is selected. If it is determined that it has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S124. If it is determined that an image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S123. In step S123, the CPU 107 enlarges and displays the selected image on the monitor 108. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the CPU 107 determines whether or not the end of the reproduction operation is instructed. If the reproduction operation has not ended, the process returns to step S121. When the reproduction operation is finished, the process returns to step S101.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the long-time exposure, the progress of the addition of the image information is displayed on the monitor 108, so that the photographer can take a picture while checking the brightness of the image. In addition, when the auto mode or semi-auto mode is selected, if the brightness of a specific part reaches the desired brightness in the image, the photographer prevents the part from becoming too bright by operating the touch panel 109. Can be made. Further, by adding the image information, the brightness of the area other than the touched part is increased to the brightness of the touched area, and an image intended by the photographer is obtained. In addition, the photographer can select the manual mode to perform shooting that finely adjusts the luminance of each part of the image.

  As described above, for example, the lens 101, the diaphragm 102, and the image sensor 103 function as an image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject and sequentially outputs an image. For example, the touch panel 109 functions as a touch panel that detects a touched position. For example, the image processing unit 122 functions as an image processing unit that sequentially creates processed images in which the luminance of the image is changed according to a first region where the touch panel is touched. For example, the adding unit 128 functions as an adding unit that sequentially adds the processed images and sequentially creates a cumulative image. For example, the monitor 108 is provided corresponding to the touch panel and functions as a display unit that displays the accumulated image. For example, the reference luminance setting unit 124 functions as a reference luminance acquisition unit that acquires the luminance related to the first region in the accumulated image as the reference luminance. For example, the luminance determination unit 126 functions as a luminance determination unit that determines whether the luminance of a third region that is not included in the second region of the accumulated image has reached the reference luminance.

  In the above description, control using binary values for setting the addition flag to 0 or 1 is performed inside or outside the circle related to the touched position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data may be processed so that the luminance changes smoothly according to the distance from the touched position so that the edge of the circle is not noticeable. Moreover, the order of each process mentioned above is an example, and it is needless to say that the process order can be exchanged within a processable range.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the exposure amount is adjusted after shooting as in the first embodiment. Camera control processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S801, the CPU 107 determines whether or not the shooting mode is set. If it is determined that the shooting mode is set, the process advances to step S802. In step S <b> 802, the CPU 107 performs initial setting of the digital camera 100. In step S803, the CPU 107 determines whether or not the exposure information recording mode is set. If it is determined not to be in the exposure information recording mode, the process proceeds to step 804. In step S804, the CPU 107 performs normal shooting processing. Since this process is not directly related to the present embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined in step S803 that the exposure information recording mode is set, the process advances to step S805. In step S805, the CPU 107 causes the monitor 108 to start displaying a through image. In step S806, the CPU 107 determines whether a release operation has been performed. If it is determined that the release operation has not been performed, the process repeats step S806. If it is determined that a release operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the image processing unit 120 temporarily stores an exposure amount for each elapsed time in a predetermined period. That is, the image processing unit 120 acquires the exposure amount at predetermined intervals in a sufficient period exceeding the appropriate exposure time, and temporarily stores the relationship between the elapsed time and the exposure amount in the RAM 113. In step S808, the image processing unit 120 sequentially adds images according to the elapsed time based on the exposure information temporarily stored in step S807. In step S <b> 809, the image processing unit 120 determines whether or not the image obtained as a result of the addition has an appropriate exposure. When the exposure is not appropriate, the process returns to step S808, and the addition of the image information is repeated until the appropriate exposure is obtained.

  If it is determined in step S809 that the exposure is appropriate, the process proceeds to step S810. In step S <b> 810, the image processing unit 120 converts the image obtained as a result of the addition into a JPEG file and records it in the recording unit 116. In step S811, the image processing unit 120 creates a thumbnail image of the image recorded in step S810, and records the thumbnail image in association with the image recorded in step S810. In step S812, the image processing unit 120 records the relationship between the elapsed time temporarily stored in step S807 and the exposure amount in association with the image recorded in step S810 as pre-addition data. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S801.

  If it is determined in step S801 that the shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S821. In step S821, the CPU 107 causes the monitor 108 to display thumbnails of the images recorded in the recording unit 116. In step S822, the CPU 107 determines whether an image has been selected. If it is determined that it has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S825. If it is determined that an image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S823. In step S823, the CPU 107 enlarges and displays the selected image on the monitor 108. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step S824.

  In step S824, the CPU 107 determines whether there is a correction. For example, the CPU 107 displays an option of whether or not correction is desired on the monitor 108, acquires a photographer's input using the touch panel 109, and determines whether or not correction is desired. When it is determined that there is no correction, the process proceeds to step S825. In step S825, the CPU 107 determines whether or not the end of the reproduction operation has been instructed. If the reproduction operation has not ended, the process returns to step S821. When it is determined that the end of the reproduction operation has been instructed, the process returns to step S801.

  If it is determined in step S824 that there is a correction, the process proceeds to step S831. In step S831, the image processing unit 120 performs correction processing. The correction process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S901, the image processing unit 120 initializes the selected image. In step S902, the image processing unit 120 acquires pre-addition data recorded in the recording unit 116 in association with the selected image. In step S903, the image processing unit 120 creates cumulative image data by sequentially adding the pre-addition data according to the recorded elapsed time. The image processing unit 120 displays an image on the monitor 108 based on the created accumulated image data.

  In step S904, the image processing unit 120 determines whether the touch panel 109 has been touched. If it is determined that the touch has not been made, the process returns to step S903. On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch has been made, the process proceeds to step S905. That is, the accumulated image displayed on the monitor 108 gradually increases in luminance until the touch panel 109 is touched.

  In step S905, the image processing unit 120 determines whether the dodging mode is selected or the burning mode is selected. When the dodging mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S906. In step S906, the image processing unit 120 sets the addition flag inside the range related to the touch position to 0, and sets the outside addition flag to 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S908. If it is determined in step S905 that the burning mode is set, the process proceeds to step S907. In step S907, the image processing unit 120 sets the addition flag inside the range related to the touch position to 1, and sets the outside addition flag to 0. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the image processing unit 120 adds the pre-addition data for the pixel whose addition flag is 1 to the accumulated image data. In step S909, the image processing unit 120 determines whether an instruction to end the correction process has been input. If not, the process returns to step S905. On the other hand, when it is determined that the process is finished, the process returns to the camera control process described with reference to FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the description will be continued. In step S832, the image processing unit 120 converts the cumulative image data obtained as a result of the addition into a JPEG file and causes the recording unit 116 to record the image. In step S833, the image processing unit 120 creates a thumbnail image of the image recorded in step S832, and records the thumbnail image in association with the image recorded in step S832. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S801.

  According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that, for example, pre-addition data that obtains cumulative images as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21E shown in FIG. At this time, it is assumed that an image as shown in FIG. 22 corresponding to FIG. 21D at the time of shooting is recorded in the recording unit 116 as a cumulative image on the assumption that the exposure is appropriate. Assume that the user wants to further brighten the person portion when the image as shown in FIG. 22 is reproduced. At this time, in the correction process, the user displayed FIG. 21D while viewing the image in which the overall luminance gradually increases as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21D displayed on the monitor 108. At this point, the touch panel 109 is touched once to determine the brightness of the entire image. Furthermore, when the user selects the burn-in mode and rubs the person part, an image as shown in FIG. 21E is created in which the brightness of the person part increases according to the amount of rubbing. The user can cause the recording unit 116 to record the image created in this way.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, partial correction of luminance can be performed not only during shooting but also during image reproduction. In the configuration in which exposure adjustment is performed at the time of shooting as in the first embodiment, the scene is a dark scene such as a night view, and the change in luminance depending on the exposure time is slow, and the touch panel 109 can be operated according to this change. Otherwise it is difficult to use. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the process of adding the pre-addition data is slowed down so that, for example, image changes as shown in FIGS. Even in the scene image, the exposure can be partially adjusted.

  In the above description, an example of performing dodging or burning similar to the manual mode in the first embodiment has been shown, but processing similar to the auto mode or semi-auto mode in the first embodiment is also performed during playback. It may be performed. As described above, the first embodiment can be performed not only in real time at the time of shooting, but also after shooting as long as imaging data is accumulated.

  Note that this embodiment is configured in combination with the first embodiment so that the brightness of an image can be adjusted during shooting of a night scene, and the brightness of an image can also be adjusted during playback including shooting of a bright scene. Of course it is good.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera, 101 ... Lens, 103 ... Image sensor, 104 ... D conversion part, 105 ... Bus, 106 ... Image capture control part, 107 ... CPU, 108 ... Monitor, 109 ... Touch panel, 110 ... Display control part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 ... Touch panel control part, 112 ... ROM, 113 ... RAM, 114 ... Imaging control part, 115 ... Recording part I / F, 116 ... Recording part, 120 ... Image processing part, 122 ... Image processing part, 124 ... Standard brightness setting 126, luminance determination unit, 128 ... addition unit.

Claims (7)

An imaging unit that images a subject and sequentially outputs images;
A touch panel for detecting the touched position;
An image processing unit that sequentially creates a processed image in which the brightness of the image is changed according to a first region touched by the touch panel;
An adder that sequentially adds the processed images and sequentially creates a cumulative image;
A display unit provided corresponding to the touch panel and displaying the accumulated image;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit reduces luminance in a second area including the first area in the image. A reference luminance setting unit that acquires the luminance related to the first region in the cumulative image as a reference luminance;
A luminance determination unit that determines whether the luminance of a third region not included in the second region of the cumulative image has reached the reference luminance;
Further comprising
The addition unit ends the addition when the luminance determination unit determines that the luminance of the third region has reached the reference luminance.
The imaging device according to claim 2.   The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the second regions are provided.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit reduces luminance outside the second region including the first region in the image. The image processing unit performs creation of the processed image in real time according to the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit,
The addition unit adds the processed image in real time according to the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The image processing unit creates the processed image based on the image for each series of elapsed time recorded in the recording unit,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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